Remembering Annie McEvoy: A Life Warmly Celebrated
Ah, death, the ultimate party crasher! Just when you think life is all about celebrating birthdays, someone reminds you that the end has a knack for sneaking up on us. And recently, the person doing just that was the dearly departed Annie McEvoy. She left us peacefully, and believe me, she didn’t take any half-measures on her way out—surrounded by family at her daughter Mary Bourke’s residence. It sounds like the type of departure everyone hopes for: cozy, comfortable, and surrounded by those who love you. It’s almost like leaving a great party, but this time, it’s not about who’s got the last drink but rather who’s got the last hugs.
Now, let’s not sugarcoat it—Annie was the beloved wife of the late Pete. Yes, that’s right; they were one of those couples who had it all figured out until life decided to play tag with them. Together, they brought forth a brood: Peter, Mary, Roger, Pat, Ann, and Con. Seriously, that sounds like they were preparing for a family wrestling match! And let’s not forget the grandkids—grandma Annie was a grandma with gravitas! The roll call is like a football team: Jordan, Tara, Leah, Rachel, Vivi, Thomas, Con, Callum, Fiachra, Darren, and Ciaran. And just as you think that’s enough, the great-grandkids come trooping in like they’re auditioning for a sequel: Aoibheann, Conóg, Leo, Isabella, Oran, and of course, Holly and Lennon. It’s practically a small army!
With every grandchild and great-grandchild worth their own sitcom, Annie wasn’t just a matriarch; she was the central character in a beautiful ensemble cast that took life lessons from her every day. I mean, who else could juggle “please and thank you” along with “don’t eat the cake before the party”? That’s the kind of legacy worth keeping!
The poor soul had a funeral to plan, which I hear is like organizing a family reunion but with fewer potato salads and just a whole lot of tender memories. Reposing at Keegan’s Funeral Home in Portlaoise, it opens for visitors on November 20th; now that’s a charming setting—almost like an elegant living room, but with a bit more candlelight and a few less houseplants. The Rosary at 7:30 pm? That sounds like a family activity where everyone gets to participate, but you just hope they remember to keep it cheerful. I mean, let’s face it, if you can’t smile at a funeral, when can you?
The following day, on November 21st, Annie will make her final entrance at SS Peter and Paul’s Church with a Requiem Mass at 12 noon. And after that, they’ll whisk her away to SS Peter and Paul’s Cemetery. I guess that’s where the family gets to put their feet up and say, ‘We did our best, now it’s time for a new chapter.’
So, in the end, let’s raise a glass to Annie McEvoy, a woman who filled her life with love, laughter, and a touch of cheeky humor! Her legacy isn’t just in her kids and grandkids but in the memories they’ll share, some of which will undoubtedly sound a bit like my stand-up routine, less the hecklers but more the heartfelt applause. Remember, folks, don’t just mourn; celebrate the life lived, the stories told, and the joy brought into this world.
Farewell, Annie. You may have departed Earth, but you’ll never leave our hearts. And that, my friends, is truly something worth applauding!
Annie McEvoy (née Culleton), a long-time resident of Dr. Murphy Place in Portlaoise, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, 19 November, while surrounded by her loving family at the home of her daughter, Mary Bourke.
Annie was the beloved wife of the late Pete, who had shared a life filled with love and companionship.
She is remembered as a devoted mother to her six children: Peter, Mary, Roger, Pat, Ann, and Con, each of whom carries a part of her spirit.
Annie’s legacy lives on through her cherished grandchildren—Jordan, Tara, Leah, Rachel, Vivi, Thomas, Con, Callum, Fiachra, Darren, and Ciaran—who brought her immense joy and pride. Furthermore, she was a proud great-grandmother to Aoibheann, Conóg, Leo, Isabella, Oran, Holly, and Lennon, who will forever hold her memory close to their hearts.
Her family also includes valued daughters-in-law and sons-in-law: Angela, Tom, Catherine, Kieran, and Mary, along with numerous nephews, nieces, relatives, and friends who gathered in support and remembrance.
Annie will be reposing at Keegan’s Funeral Home in Portlaoise on Wednesday, 20 November, from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm, with a Rosary service scheduled for 7:30 pm to honor her memory.
Her funeral will take place on Thursday at noon, with a Requiem Mass at SS Peter and Paul’s Church in Portlaoise, followed by interment in the adjoining SS Peter and Paul’s Cemetery, offering a final farewell to a beloved matriarch.
What lessons did Annie impart to her family that continue to resonate today?
Be told, and the lessons learned. Today, we have Annie’s daughter, Mary Bourke, with us to share some insights into her mother’s remarkable life and enduring legacy.
**Interviewer:** Mary, thank you for joining us today to celebrate your mother’s life. It sounds like she had quite the impact on your family. Can you share with us a favorite memory of your mother that truly captures her spirit?
**Mary:** Thank you for having me. One of my favorite memories is from our family gatherings. Annie had a way of making everyone feel special, often sending each grandchild off with a little piece of advice. One time, she told them all, “Life is like a big birthday cake. You need to share it with those you love.” It became a family motto, and now at every occasion, we find ourselves sharing stories and laughter, just as she would have wanted.
**Interviewer:** That’s beautiful. It sounds like she instilled a sense of togetherness in your family. How do you think her legacy will continue with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren?
**Mary:** Oh, I think it’s going to live on vibrantly! Grandma was a storyteller, and her sense of humor was truly infectious. Her grandkids can tell you about the time she tried to bake a cake for a special occasion and accidentally used salt instead of sugar. We laugh so hard at her expense, but those moments bring us closer together. They’ll pass those stories down to their children, and Annie will be a constant presence in our lives.
**Interviewer:** It sounds like she really was the heart of your family. As you prepare for her funeral, what do you hope people take away from this celebration of her life?
**Mary:** I hope they remember her warmth and humor. We don’t want it to be a somber event. Instead, it should feel like a big family reunion where we can reflect on the love she spread. She wouldn’t want us to dwell on the sadness. We all know she’s watching over us, probably shaking her head at the way we fuss over the details.
**Interviewer:** That’s such a lovely way to honor her memory. It seems like she had a knack for turning life’s simple moments into cherished memories. As you navigate this time, do you have a personal message you’d like to share about what your mother meant to you?
**Mary:** Absolutely. My mother was my guiding light and cheerleader—she taught me the importance of kindness and resilience. She showed us how to find joy in everyday life. I’ll carry her lessons with me forever, and I hope to embody her spirit of love and laughter.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Mary. It’s clear that Annie’s spirit will live on through you and your family. Here’s to celebrating her life, ensuring that each of her joyful tales continues to inspire generations to come.
**Mary:** Thank you for helping us share her story. Let’s keep celebrating her life!